Upper torso exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus comprising a bench and a dorsal support, wherein the apparatus further comprises a movable upper torso support, wherein the apparatus is suitable to support the lower torso of a user by means of the bench and the dorsal support and that portions of the upper torso of the user can be lifted relative to the lower torso by the movable upper torso support. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of exercising the upper torso by providing an apparatus which supports the lower torso and which is suitable to guide a force exerted by a user&#39;s legs to the upper torso of a user and uses this force to induce a stretching motion of a portion of the upper torso relative to the lower torso of a user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of European Application No.09162336.3 filed Jun. 9, 2009, which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety for all useful purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise apparatuses that increase auser's general physical fitness and mobility, in particular, apparatusesthat increase a user's mobility in their upper back and neck. Theseapparatuses are useful for preventive as well as therapeutic purposes.They may be used in medical environments, for example, in chiropracticor orthopedic practice, a rehabilitation center, etc. They may also beused in a sports or private environment, for example, in a gym orfitness club, etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of exercise apparatuses is known. WO 2005/011815 discloses anexercise apparatus, comprised of foot supports and handles. Thisapparatus is designed to engage the whole body. While this exerciseapparatus appears suitable for cardio training and the coordinatedmovement of arms and legs, it does not appear to allow for stretching oractivating the mobility of specific parts of the body. The apparatusalso does not seem to have any direct effect on the spine. Moreover, itshould be noted that the energy created when using the apparatus is notdirected to any part of the body as to have any localized positiveeffect onto the body.

US Patent Application No. 2008/0312053 A1 discloses a shoulder exerciseand stretching apparatus. In this apparatus, the user can secure theforearm to a forearm support and then use an elbow support to keep theirarm in a desired position. The apparatus provides a rotation membercoupled to the forearm support for rotation of the forearm supportthrough a desired plane. Further, it provides at least one handle,allowing the user's free hand to grasp the handle and move the rotationmember. While this type of apparatus certainly provides some support,its use is complex in that it requires the user's free hand to guide herother arm through a defined movement. In addition, this type ofapparatus appears only suitable for use by a trained user or undersupervision. In an additional aspect, the free arm is held in a positionwhich does not allow the user to exert a lot of force with her free arm.

DE 10211145 A1 discloses a back exercising and stretching apparatus,which is described to have a beneficial effect in particular on thespine. The apparatus holds and supports the lower legs. This supportprovides guidance and hence the accurate execution of certain exercisesis supported. However, from the description, it appears that it is onlypossible to do a torso exercise, using the torso muscles. The apparatuscan further be equipped with head and shoulder supports, however itappears that use of these supports requires a trained user to achievethe benefit of the described exercise. Hence, the apparatus is not verysuitable for handicapped or physically unfit people.

DE 29809695 U1 discloses a training apparatus specifically for theextension of the human spine. A similar apparatus is disclosed in DE29605784 U1. While these apparatuses seem to represent the state of theart in spine extension, they all seem to require a physically fit and/ortrained user. The spine extension is affected by using the whole bodyweight. Hence, either considerable weight or zero weight is exerted onthe spine. It does not seem possible to adapt the weight and the forceused in the stretching motion independently of a user's body weight.Hence, the apparatus seems to offer little opportunity for softexercises and exercises with limited force.

The prior art, therefore, lacks an exercise apparatus for the uppertorso that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

SUMMARY

To overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, the present inventionprovides an improved exercise apparatus. The apparatus disclosed hereinand the corresponding method allow for the effective exercise of twoparts of the body. The apparatus provides for a healthy and dosablestretch movement for the upper torso. This stretch movement can act onthe upper torso when it is in a relaxed state.

An exercise apparatus within the scope of the present inventioncomprises a bench and a dorsal support. The apparatus further comprisesa movable upper torso support, characterised in that the apparatus issuitable to support the lower torso of a human user by means of thebench and the dorsal support such that portions of the upper torso of auser can be lifted relative to the lower torso by the movable uppertorso support. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method ofexercising the upper torso by providing an apparatus which supports thelower torso and which is suitable to guide a force exerted by a user'slegs to the upper torso of a user and uses this force to induce astretching motion of a portion of the upper torso relative to the lowertorso of a user.

Additional objectives and advantages of the invention will in part willbe obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice ofembodiments of the invention. Moreover, other aspects of the inventionwill become more readily apparent from the following drawings, detaileddescription, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the invention embodied with ahydraulic lifting mechanism.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a close-up view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is close-up view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of yet another embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exercise apparatus according to the present invention can have avariety of uses. One such field of use is the medical/therapeutic field.In this field especially, the apparatus is used under medicalsupervision, e.g. by a doctor, orthopedic, chiropractor, or withassistance, for example of a nurse, physical therapist, fitnessinstructor and the like. The exercise apparatus, however, is equallysuitable for the field of fitness exercise and could for example findits place in a public or private gym or other sports facilities.

Two key elements of the exercise apparatus are the bench and the dorsalsupport. The bench, as used herein, refers to any support surface usefulfor the lower torso. Of course, it may take the form of a conventionalbench or stool. Typically, it comprises an essentially horizontalsupport surface. The dorsal support can likewise, as used herein, be anysupport surface or structure useful to support at least a portion of thelower back of a user. The dorsal support can, for example, take the formof a conventional backrest above the bench. The dorsal support caneither extend over the length of the lower body only (hence end at chestlevel) or alternatively the dorsal support can support the whole back ofa user and even extend to neck or head level or above. In someembodiments, which may be suitable for very fit users, the apparatus mayalso comprise a bench, but no dorsal support. Likewise, in otherembodiments, the apparatus may comprise a dorsal support, but no bench.(The user would then largely have to rely on the strength of her/hislegs for maintaining a suitable posture.)

The apparatus further comprises a moveable upper torso support. Thisupper torso support is meant to assist in the lifting of at least aportion of the upper torso of a user. This lifting should be a liftingof a portion of the upper torso relative to a portion of the lower torsoof the body. Hence, the lifting will normally induce some form ofstretching in the upper torso.

The upper torso support may take a variety of useful forms. For example,the support may give support to the arms, the elbows, the armpits, thechest, the neck or the head of a user. In one execution of the presentinvention, the upper torso support is motor-operated motor, typically anelectrical motor which can either be battery-operated or which mightrequire connection to a power supply (e.g. a socket).

Alternatively, the moveable upper torso support can be muscle-operated.In one option, the operation requires the interference of an assistingperson. Alternatively, the upper torso support may be muscle-operated bythe user herself/himself. In particular, the leg muscles of the humanuser may be used to induce the movement of the upper torso support.

In particular where the leg muscles are used to induce the movement,suitable mechanics are required. These mechanics may involve a footpedal and suitable levers to transmit the force exerted by the legs tothe upper torso of a user.

Alternatively, the mechanism can involve a hydraulic cylinder such thatthe force is essentially transmitted by hydraulic tubes. The mechanismor lifting mechanism would then comprise a first hydraulic cylinderwhich receives force or energy. This energy is normally created by theuser use of the foot pedals. Any conventional hydraulic cylinder andhydraulic parts in general will be suitable. This first cylinder isconnected via some hydraulic connectors (normally in the form of tubing)to at least one second hydraulic cylinder. The tubing will normally, ofcourse, comprise hydraulic oil. The second hydraulic cylinder istherefore able to provide force and energy and thereby to do the liftingoperation. In one embodiment of the present invention, more than one,for example two hydraulic cylinders can provide a lifting force. Forexample, a first hydraulic cylinder may be used to operate an upper armsupport and a second hydraulic cylinder may be used to operate a headsupport. The hydraulic connectors may then comprise a switch or asimilar mechanism to select the operation of either one cylinder or theother cylinder (or maybe in some cases both cylinders).

In a further aspect, the resistance provided by the first hydrauliccylinder should be selectable. A person with weaker leg muscles shouldexperience a lower resistance than a person with stronger leg muscles.

It should be noted that the provision of a foot pedal has severalbenefits. In one aspect, as explained, the pedal can be used to operatesome mechanical or hydraulic lifting mechanism. In another importantaspect, the positioning of the feet on the pedal allows for a secure andanatomically stable positioning of the lower body. The foot pedalcooperates with the dorsal support in offering such a stable positioningof the body. The stable and defined positioning of the lower body ishelpful to avoid any injury or damage which could potentially be inducedotherwise by the upper torso lifting operation. In a further aspect, ofcourse, the foot pedals enable exercising the legs.

Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise a belt,similar to a safety belt, to secure the lower body of the user to thebench.

Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus may comprise one or morehandles, one or more handle bars and/or one or more stabilization handlebars to help a user enter the apparatus and to find an optimal seatingposition.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the upper body support canbe provided by at least one arm support. Alternatively, the upper bodysupport may be provided or comprise at least two arm supports.

A suitable arm support is a gripping bar. The bar can be oriented alongt either side of a user's neck, above the user's shoulders. The verticaland the horizontal position of the bars can be adjustable.

The upper arm support may also take the form of an armpit support bar.Such a bar can be placed in the armpit region and thereby be suitable tolift the armpit and shoulder area upwards. Again, typically two armpitsupport bars are used.

Additionally or alternatively, the upper arm supports can act on theelbows. For example, the upper arm supports can comprise a cushion onwhich the respective elbow is placed. Typically one such cushion is usedon either side of the body. The arm support can further comprise agripping bar on either side of the body which can be held by the hands.In one embodiment, the gripping bar will be arranged essentiallyvertically above the cushion such that the underarms take an essentiallyvertical position when the gripping bars are held by the hands.

Additionally or alternatively, the upper torso support may comprise ahead support. Notably, while the dorsal support may comprise a headsupport, which is static, the head support comprised by the upper torsosupport would take part in the movement. A suitable head supportcomprises a cushion, preferably some form of cushioning of essentiallyconcave shape.

In one aspect of the present invention an apparatus can be provided,which can act either on the head of a user or on the arms (and therebyshoulders and chest) of a user. Such an apparatus can comprise amechanism to select for the movement of the head support only of the armsupports only. For example, an apparatus can comprise one hydrauliccylinder of the operation of the head support and one hydraulic cylinderfor the operation of the arm support. A switch can then be provided inthe hydraulic connectors to select for the operation of either one ofthe other cylinder.

In a further aspect, the present invention comprises a method ofexercising the upper body. Such a method for example can be practiced ina sports facility or gym. Likewise, the method can be provided inmedical or physiotherapy facilities. Hence, according to the method anapparatus is provided and/or used which supports the lower body. Theapparatus to be provided is suitable to guide a force exerted by theuser's leg to the upper torso of a user and uses this force to induce astretching motion of the portion of the upper torso relatively to thelower torso of the user. Hence, in use the user will exert force by hisleg and using the apparatus the force is guided to the upper torso ofthe user. The user therefore uses this force to induce a stretchingmotion to a portion of his upper torso and stretch the upper torsorelative to her/his lower torso.

In one method of exercising the body, the force is guided to the arms ofthe user.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent fromthe following description and the accompanying drawings. In thedescription and the drawings, certain features are disclosed anddescribed in combination. It should be noted that these features canalso form part of the invention in other combinations. Hence, anydisclosed feature is to be considered disclosed also in othertechnically sensible combinations.

FIG. 1 is helpful for immediately understanding the concept of theapparatus of the present invention and of the associated method. Theapparatus 100 comprises a bench 110 and an associated dorsal support120. When seated on the bench 110, the user can use the foot pedal 310for the convenient and safe placement of her/his feet. By pushing footpedal 310, pressure is exerted onto the first hydraulic cylinder 320.This cylinder is connected via connectors 330 to a second hydrauliccylinder 340. Through a simple and appropriate mechanism, the secondhydraulic cylinder 340 is connected to upper torso support 200. Hence,the user can use the foot pedal to move upper torso support 200 upwards.The upper torso support 200 is provided in the form of an upper armsupport 210 (not shown). The user can hold onto gripping bars 220.Thereby, the upper torso of the user will be moved upwards by the upperarm support 210. The operation of this apparatus 100 will thereforeprovide some useful exercise for the legs of the user, but will alsolead to a medically beneficial effect on the user's upper torso. Inparticular, the thoracic spine of the user will be mobilized andtrained.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view on a suitable embodiment of thepresent invention. Again, the user can sit on a bench 110 and use dorsalsupport 120. Bench 110 and dorsal support 120 more or less take the forma conventional chair. A foot pedal 310 is provided in the form of alarge board suitable for the placement of two feet thereon. The footpedal 310 is linked to first hydraulic cylinder 320 and furthersupported by suitable and essentially conventional mechanical supportsand linkages. First hydraulic cylinder 320 is again connected throughsuitable connectors to a second hydraulic cylinder 340. The additionalhydraulic installations, however, are not visible in this view, as theyare internal in the support structure of the apparatus and/or hidden bythe dorsal support 120. This lifting mechanism will move upper armsupport 210 upwards.

FIG. 3 provides another view of the apparatus of FIG. 2. Details of theupper arm support 210 are readily visible. The upper arm support 210comprises a first gripping bar 220 a and a second gripping bar 220 b.These two gripping bars will be lifted upwards together with the upperarm support 210. Hence, holding onto the gripping bars will lead to themobilization of the thoracic spine. The apparatus further comprises astabilization handle bar 250, which the user can hold onto, for examplewhen entering the apparatus or when pausing from an exercise. Hence, theupper arm support will be displaced relative to the dorsal support 120,which remains static.

FIG. 4 provides another view of the apparatus of FIG. 2, using the sameperspective as FIG. 3. The apparatus is shown with the upper arm support210 in a lifted position. Here, it is visible that the upper arm support210 is lifted relatively to the dorsal support 120. The direction ofmovement is essentially in the plane defined by the dorsal support 120,hence it is almost, but not exactly vertical. The distance of upper armsupport 210 relative to dorsal support 120 can be increased by forexample 5 cm, 10 cm, 20 cm or more.

Notably, any apparatus according to the present invention can comprisemeans to adjust the distance by which the upper torso support 200 ismoved relative to a given movement of the foot pedal 310. For example,the lower end of the foot pedal may move a first length between its twomost extreme positions and the upper torso support may move a secondlength between its most extreme positions, and the ratio of the firstlength to the second length can be adjusted to be in the range of 1 to 3or 1 to 2 or it could also be in the range 1 to 0.25 or 0.75 to 0.5.

FIG. 5 gives a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention. The apparatus shown uses the same bench 110, dorsalsupport 120 and upper arm support 210 as the previous apparatus. It isalso provided with gripping bars in the form of a first gripping bar 220a and a second gripping bar 220 b. However, this apparatus furthercomprises elbow cushions 230. They are provided in the form of a firstelbow cushion 230 a and a second elbow cushion 230 b. As it isimmediately apparent from the figure, a user can place their elbows ontothe elbow cushions 230 and with essentially vertical underarms grip thegripping bars above the respective elbow cushions 230. This allows theuser to take a very defined position of the upper body and thereby apredefined lifting movement can be carried out accurately. The elbowcushions 230 should be adjustable in height and/or their (horizontal)distance to each other.

FIG. 6 shows yet a further embodiment of the present invention in asimilar perspective as FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the upper torsosupport 200 is provided in the form of head support 240. The user canplace her/his neck in the head support 240, which has a suitable concaveshape. Of course, the exact position of the head support 240 relative tothe other portions of the upper torso support 200 and relative to thedorsal support 120 should be adjustable. The apparatus allows for themovement of the cervical spine. The thoracic spine remains in a stablepositions while only the cervical spine is moved.

Of course, in other embodiments of the apparatus, the thoracic spine andthe cervical spine can be moved together or can be lifted upwardsalternatively.

The above description has made clear how the present apparatus and theassociated method of using it allow a new way to effectively exercisethe body. In particular, it becomes possible to exert a medicallybeneficial stretch movement which affects the spine.

Whereas particular embodiments of this invention have been describedabove for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilledin the art that numerous variations of the details of the presentinvention may be made without departing from the invention as defined inthe appended claims.

1-12. (canceled)
 13. An upper torso exercise apparatus comprising: abench; a dorsal support, wherein the bench and the dorsal support areadapted to support a lower torso; and a movable upper torso supportadapted to lift a portion of an upper torso relative to the lower torso.14. The exercise apparatus of claim 13, wherein the movable upper torsosupport is motor operated.
 15. The exercise apparatus of claim 13,wherein the movable upper torso support is muscle operated.
 16. Theexercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the movable upper torso supportis operated by leg muscles.
 17. The exercise apparatus of claim 16,wherein the apparatus further comprises a hydraulic lifting mechanismfor the upper torso support.
 18. The exercise apparatus of claim 17,wherein the lifting mechanism comprises foot pedals.
 19. The exerciseapparatus of claim 13, wherein the upper torso support comprises anupper arm support.
 20. The exercise apparatus of claim 19, wherein theupper arm support comprises two gripping bars.
 21. The exerciseapparatus of claim 19, wherein the upper arm support further comprisesat least two elbow cushions.
 22. The exercise apparatus of claim 13,wherein the upper torso support comprises a head support.
 23. A methodof exercising an upper torso of a user comprising: providing theexercise apparatus of claim 13, exerting a force on the upper torsousing the exercise apparatus, and stretching the upper torso relative toa lower torso of the user, wherein the apparatus supports the lowertorso and guides the force exerted on the upper torso.
 24. The method ofclaim 23, wherein the force is guided by arms.
 25. The method of claim23, wherein the force is guided by legs.